Okyenhene Salutes Okuapeman


Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin speaking at the gathering

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has paid a glowing tribute to the chiefs and people of Akuapem for their re-unification process which started in December 2013, with the signing of a Peace Accord by the chiefs in the various wings.

He continued that the chiefs, in agreeing to sign the accord, had made history; an indication that they had put their bitter past behind them and were geared up to forge into the future as a united force.

The Okyenhene also commended individuals and identifiable groups for their respective roles in brokering peace among the chiefs in the protracted rivalry which lasted more than two decades, adding that ‘we started the peace process but God in his divine programme set it for now.’

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin made the commendation at a mini durbar at Mpeniase held to commemorate his royal visit to Akropong in the Eastern Region last Thursday.

The rivalry led to a situation where the onetime enviable community of Akuapem, noted for its prowess in education and religion,  turned a disjointed  community with each of the wings (Adonten, Benkum and Nifa ) forming their paramountcies to govern themselves.

The Okyenhene, who is also the president of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, further reminded the chiefs to ensure that they left a legacy that would benefit succeeding generations as their forefathers had done, citing the example of his ancestors, who in 1921 paid 700pounds to purchase a royal guest house in Accra for succeeding generations of royals.

He also reminded the chiefs that there was a price everyone had to pay for leadership and cautioned that they must not be found wanting.

The Okyenhene also urged government to take the policy of decentralization very seriously as it was the only way to ensure proper accountability of the use of national resources.

While reminding government to strengthen formal education, the Okyenhene also expressed worry about mass failure among public school pupils in Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

He stressed that both government and relevant stakeholders should work to change the situation where education was considered an opportunity for the privileged.

The President of the House of Chiefs was accompanied on the visit by three other members – Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo; Nana Osei Nyarko III, Bosso-Gua and Okotwasuo Kantamanto Oworae Agyekum III of Akyem Bosome.

The Okuapehene, in his welcome address, described the re-unification as a new seedling which had just started sprouting and needed much attention to grow into fruition.

He continued that Akuapem was no longer a fragmented community but one that was ready to move all out for its development.

He expressed satisfaction that the forthcoming Odwira would mark his 40 th anniversary since he mounted the Ofori Kuma stool as Okuapehene.

By Solomon Ofori

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